Keynote Speaker:
Jen Filla, CEO, Aspire Research Group LLC
"Career Insights"
Do you feel like you are constantly missing out on the latest software, technique, or skill? Do you worry whether you should be taking coding courses or learn how to read public company financial statements or something else? Our profession is deeply impacted by information technology, which innovates and changes at a lightning fast pace, as well as wealth accumulation, which may soon include a trillionaire’s list. Join Jen Filla for a grounding talk on how to stay current when there’s too much to know and how to identify the most important skills you need for career growth.
Conference Speakers:
Lane White and Kylie Cain, University of Nebraska Foundation
"Expanding Our Reach of Untapped Donors"
The University of Nebraska Foundation has developed multiple data-driven, innovative strategies to “double down” on its pipeline development work. Combined, these programs have already resulted in 14,000 prospects contacted, 3,000 personal meetings, 300 qualified major gift prospects, $10 million in new gifts, and 82% retention of leadership annual donors. Explore the strategic intent, data, and processes leveraged to build a new, innovative approach to comprehensive pipeline development.
Jodi Knox and Rob Kinsey, Iowa State University Foundation
"Planned Gift Upgrade Opportunities"
Jodi Knox, Assistant Director of Prospect Management and Rob Kinsey, Assistant Vice President of Development at Iowa State University Foundation co-lead this session on leveraging deferred gifts as potential fundraising opportunities. They’ll share the strategy implemented, highlighting key successes, lessons learned, and practical steps for execution. Join this session and gain insights and actionable takeaways from their approach.
Will Storm, Grinnell College
"Lost in the Data? How to Find-and-Show-What Actually Matters"
Data should be a compass, not quicksand. But in the world of prospect research, higher ed fundraising, and non-profit analytics, it often feels like we’re sinking—too many spreadsheets, too many reports, too much noise. How do we keep from drowning in an ocean of information? More data isn't the answer. More significance is.
This session is about cutting through the chaos. Inspired by Stephen Few’s Signal, we’ll talk about how data visualization isn’t just a tool for presenting insights—it’s a way of thinking, a way of seeing. We’ll explore how to filter out distractions, focus on what actually matters, and design visuals that don’t just display data but clarify it. Because when data is clear, decision-making gets easier, and data anxiety fades. Expect a conversation that’s practical, visual, and refreshingly human. Let’s rethink how we work with data—so it works for us, not against us.
Agenda:
9:30am Registration opens & light breakfast provided
10:00am Conference begins
Keynote speaker
12:00pm Lunch will be provided
1:00pm Conference Speakers
4:30pm Conference ends
4:30pm Happy hour to follow the day's event, more information to come.
Hotel Room Block (reserve by 4/3/25 to receive the discounted rate):
The Gateway Hotel and Conference Center
If making reservations by phone, please say you are with the Apra Great Plains room block.
https://reservations.travelclick.com/2958?groupID=4632731
